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01/28/2025

A Chance In Life’s 80th Anniversary 

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for A Chance In Life as we celebrate 80 years of transforming the lives of marginalized and at-risk youth! Our journey began in 1945, when Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing founded Boys’ Towns in Italy to give war orphans not only food and shelter, but something even more powerful—a chance to rebuild their self-esteem through self-governance. His vision empowered these young people by giving them the responsibility to manage their own communities, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Over time, this model proved so successful that it evolved into the foundation of A Chance In Life today.

Since our beginnings 80 years ago, our impact has extended far beyond Italy. Today, our organization operates in 13 countries, providing over 6,000 young people every year with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities. Through our unique approach of Positive Youth Development, which emphasizes competence, confidence, connection, character, and compassion, we help youth contribute and develop their communities and the world around them.

With your support, we have helped countless individuals escape dire circumstances and achieve their full potential. From Uganda to India, from Mexico to Bolivia, and right here in New York City, we have seen first-hand how giving youth the opportunity to lead empowers them to create lasting change in their own lives and in the communities around them.

Elementary students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

As we embark on our 80th anniversary celebrations, we invite you to join us for a year filled with exciting announcements, events, and initiatives that honor this remarkable journey. We are grateful for your continued support, and we ask you to stay connected with us throughout the year to see how your generosity makes a difference every day. Together, we can continue to give young people ‘a chance in life’ and help build a world where every child has the opportunity to lead and succeed.

The future is bright, and we can’t wait to share the next chapter with you!

Author
Gabriele Delmonaco

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